A service that facilitates purchases on behalf of individuals, primarily from online retailers, is a key component of international e-commerce. This service addresses limitations, such as retailers not shipping directly to a customer’s location or restricting access based on geographic region. For example, an individual in Europe desiring a product exclusively sold by a US-based online store can utilize this service to complete the transaction.
Such services offer considerable value by expanding consumer access to goods and services that would otherwise be unavailable. Historically, these services have arisen to circumvent trade barriers and logistical challenges. They can provide benefits such as consolidating multiple purchases into a single shipment, potentially reducing overall shipping costs, and offering assistance with navigating language barriers and customs regulations. These factors are pivotal in global commerce.